PvE Discussion

PvE Discussion

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Posted by: Mr Big.4891

Mr Big.4891

I see many posts about PvP builds, but rarely see anything about PvE builds. I assume this is because the thief is much better suited for PvP than PvE. However, I have recently got my thief into the mid 40’s and have begun running the first two dungeons frequently.

While in the dungeons I have a lot of trouble staying alive while running melee, because i will often times be ‘downed’ in a single hit. So I am forced to roll P/P & SB, I hate them both, and even with the added space I will get an unlucky aggro spike, followed my a mace to the face.

So the point of this post…
- What are some of the most viable PvE builds (melee preferred)
- What are the stats you should stack w/ said build
- What are some useful techniques (i.e. Using shadow refuge on a group of downed team mates to avoid aggro while you res)

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Posted by: TheUndefined.1720

TheUndefined.1720

Mr Big,

I’m also having similar issues. At first I had a really nice Death Blossom spam build, but the evasion window was so small I still ended up taking a lot of damage. Not to mention my Sig of Malice really didn’t provide enough healing to make up for that damage.

Personally, I hate S/P, because the attacks feel very slow / clunky. I understand how viable this weapon combo is, however it really doesn’t mesh with how I like to play.

So for PvE I’m really at a loss with my thief at the moment. I’m very interested in seeing any response to this post from experienced PvE / Dungeon roaming thieves.

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Posted by: Dronin.3957

Dronin.3957

If your doing explorer mode, just stop, it gets a little easier at 80 when your gear has 3 stats instead of two…..

Learn the boss fights and mob mechanics. A lot of them are not very friendly to melee, so you will have to end up using your ranged abilities on them. Some are, yes the theifs ranged abilities are a little lack luster and boring but you like the rest of us dont have a lot of choice.

Saying that, there are some good options to help you survive…

Ill point you towards 3 traits in particular that might help.
1 – Cloaked in shadow (stealthing blinds nearby foes) great trait if your run a Backstab build else use blinding powder in group pulls

2 – Shadows embrace, usually removes 2 conditions in a full duration stealth, amazing for getting rid of those kitten bleeds and poisons that last about 3 and a half years, else use the 2 skill on the sword alot

3 – Assassins reward, Heals when you spend init. Speaks for its self really.

Also gear knights gear for at least half your slots, the toughness will give you a bit of a chance when your fighting.

you’ re welcome

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Posted by: Dreleth.3647

Dreleth.3647

Currently I’m using a d/p build that focuses around blinding enemy units with black powder/ #3 skill (forgot the name, sorry!). It really helps on trash, as it prevents a lot of the damage that the enemies do. Also it’s great for getting in and out of fights with the #3 skill used as a gap closer and a nice execution with heartseeker. I use the shortbow for ranged if I cant’ stay into fights. I’m not that experienced in dungeons as I’ve only done up to TA exploration with this build, but it works so far. Don’t know how it would work in CoE/CoF/other stuff.

Skills I use:
-Shadow Refuge to bring up downed allies
-Shadow Step for condition removal, stun breaker, and mobility
-Scorpion Wire to pull enemies close to you and your group, also makes it easier to black powder groups of mobs
or
-Caltrops for the AoE cripple and bleeds for kiting.

For healing, Signet of Malice for the sustained healing passive or Hide in Shadows for quick aggro dump, but it has a higher CD.

Sorry if this isn’t good enough or useful for you guys. Hopefully another more experienced dungeon thief could help you guys out.

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Posted by: Mr Big.4891

Mr Big.4891

So of the melee options which would you recommend? I generally roll S/P for Pistol Whip spam, and the added AoE that swords provide.

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Posted by: Echo XIII.5672

Echo XIII.5672

I could help you on this one…I have two builds to recommend.

One build which revolves around your daggerstorm/pve style of play and has a decent heal. I would most recommend this for wvwvw though, and massive pve mob killing due to it’s burst lifesteal. I would use a set of cleric armor and use this build.

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#czkMzzzzMovNFoovNFm9MpfxMRMcsk

This is based off of pretty much what I call my Katarina build.(from League of Legends.)

If anyone has played League of legends and played Katarina, you will understand why I named it. Katarina is a champion that focuses on her spellvamp/lifesteal in the game.

The idea of this build is to utilize your daggerstorm and your healing ability and run into any large group of monsters and tank everything. This also builds tankiness into your style of play. It’s mainly a semi-condition thief because of its high rate of condition damage traits. This build is more for survival instead of a typical burst damage that a thief is supposed to play as. Your dagger storm is considered a 90 second heal due to it’s massive heal depending on how much monster in one area. The more, the better.

The second build I recommend is also kind of tanky, and close up style of play. This is a tanky backstab build. I normally don’t recommend this in pvp because in pvp as a thief going backstab, it’s better off going full damage rather than this.

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#czkzzc0zMovNFoovNFmax0ffczobMV

This build utilizes stacking might off your dodging instead of the traditional build of backstabbing whereas you do damage with a consistency of high power. All in all, the more you dodge, the more damage you deal. I would go Berserker armors on this build, and superior sigil with stacking power. With this buld, it’s more focused on boss fights and 1v1ing enemies. Since it’s a backstab build, you’ll expect to see a speed in killing 1 monster or two significantly fast.